I went to renew the lease on my apartment (been living here a little over a year) and the landlord said she would need pay stubs AND a copy of my bank statement for last month. I found this to be odd as I've never heard of a landlord asking for bank statements and really don't think it is her or anybody else's business. Is this normal for them to want a copy?

Originally Posted By Lord_Of_War:
I went to renew the lease on my apartment (been living here a little over a year) and the landlord said she would need pay stubs AND a copy of my bank statement for last month.
I found this to be odd as I've never heard of a landlord asking for bank statements and really don't think it is her or anybody else's business. Is this normal for them to want a copy?

Originally Posted By Lord_Of_War:
I went to renew the lease on my apartment (been living here a little over a year) and the landlord said she would need pay stubs AND a copy of my bank statement for last month. I found this to be odd as I've never heard of a landlord asking for bank statements and really don't think it is her or anybody else's business. Is this normal for them to want a copy?

you have already shown her that you are able to pay your rent since you have already resided in this apartment for close to a year.
I would think this should be sufficient info she needs perhaps a Credit Report but anything else as everybody has stated I would not provide to her.

That's very unusual for a renewal. Many times prospective tenants who are self-employed/contractor or retired will be required to provide bank statements showing steady income or a certain amount of cash in the bank to qualify for new rentals. (this varies widely from owner to owner, or management company)

A> They're refinancing or selling the property, and the bank or buyer is asking for it because of shitty landlord bookkeeping.

B> New management company is taking over, many reasons come into play there... don't even know where to start.

C> You've not been 100% on time with rent recently, and they think they can fill your spot with a more qualified tenant.

As a former (Texas) landlord, I'd say no. Worst they can do is ask you to leave at the end of your lease. In Texas, the landlord has to give you at least as much notice of new terms for renewal as is required from you to give notice to leave. Typically, I'd give minimum six weeks written notice for any change in terms prior to renewal, more if big changes are made.

Laws vary from state to state, but the above is almost universal. You'll need to check with your state's landlord-tenant site for more information.

If it comes down to it, and you want to stay there despite this, all you need to show them IMO is name and either end balance OR deposits (if deposits only they might ask for three or more statements)

Nerfguns are great when you have a ten year old son. But they make it hard to teach him that there is a difference between concealment and cover. - Bubbatheredneck

Originally Posted By Lord_Of_War:
I went to renew the lease on my apartment (been living here a little over a year) and the landlord said she would need pay stubs AND a copy of my bank statement for last month. I found this to be odd as I've never heard of a landlord asking for bank statements and really don't think it is her or anybody else's business. Is this normal for them to want a copy?

Wow, that's pretty intrusive. I feel as though a credit history report would suffice.

If you have not given her cause (previous late payments, etc) there is no reason to be giving out that personal information.

Handing her a bank statement with sharpie marks all over it will only piss her off... talk to her, explain why you do not want/ should not hand this info over, and remind her of your other housing options.

Originally Posted By oldschool63:show your pay stub but tell them to pound sand on the bank statement.

Have you ever had a problem paying your rent on time?

+1

for a NEW renter - maybe. For a longstanding tenant with prompt paying history - there are too many places available. If you've had problems paying in the past... well, then is it worth the hassle to move?

Ultimately it boils down to A: is it worth jumping through hoops to avoid moving? B: are there better places, in better locations, for the same or less rent? In either case, you'll probably have to do something similar if you move to a new place (including the rent up front) so it could be a wash.